Search - Francois Devienne :: François Devienne: Flute Quartets

Much more than amiable classicism

RaabH | USA | 07/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Players of wind instruments will be more familiar than most with the music of Francois Devienne, since his sonatas are a staple of the student repertoire. To others this composer might be more off the beaten path, since Devienne had the misfortune of writing music at the same time as Mozart and, like Salieri, has perhaps suffered a bit too reticent a reputation as a result.



Yet the melodic invention and sense of polish of these pieces offer testament to a composer who possessed a distinct melodic gift. Some (like me) might even say that the invention here approaches the Mozartian standard. There are moments of sheer bouncing delight in the Allergos, the melodies unfolding naturally, with occasional surprising turns that place the results well above the level of mere note-spinning.



The same principle of the pleasantly unexpected applies to the slower movements too. The opening Largo of the Op. 16, No. 3 Quartet hints at surprising darkness and depth, while the Adagios of the other Quartets are serene and forthright in their elegant classicism.



Soloist Barthold Kuijken plays a one-keyed traverse flute, a 1985 copy of a cc. 1790 instrument, and the string accompanists also play authentic instruments. Do listeners these days still reflexively shy away from authentic instruments? Well, here is a case where the lightness of touch and forthright expression easily put any fears to rest.



Excellent sound quality, although these days it would almost be more noteworthy if the sound were substandard.



I can't recommend this recording highly enough. An absolute delight.



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